Saudi Arabia: Hamza Kashgari “repents”, family member says
February 15th, 2012
Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari has repented for his tweets deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammed, according to a family member. They said Kashgari, 23, ”has affirmed to his family that he stands by his repentance, that he has made a mistake and regrets it.” The newspaper columnist fled Saudi Arabia after tweeting a mock conversation between himself and the prophet Mohammed that sparked thousands of responses, including death threats. He was arrested and detained upon his arrival in Malaysia on 9 February, before being sent back to Saudi in controversial circumstancs. He may be accused of apostasy, which is a capital offence in his native Saudi Arabia.Tags: Tags: apostasy, blasphemy, Hamza Kashgari, Islam, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia,
The global police organisation went beyond its remit in pursuing Saudi Arabian journalist Hamza Kashgari, says Denis MacShane MP. Now we must ensure the kingdom’s authorities respect free speech